Application Guide

How to Apply for Programs Associate / Senior Programs Associate

at Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

🏢 About Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy is a unique nonprofit focused specifically on frontier AI systems—those at the cutting edge of capability—and their policy implications. Unlike broader AI ethics organizations, IAPS targets concrete policy interventions to mitigate catastrophic risks from advanced AI, making it ideal for someone passionate about high-stakes, technical policy work. Working here means directly contributing to research that could shape international AI governance during a critical technological transition.

About This Role

This role involves scaling IAPS's fellowship programs and designing new initiatives to bridge technical AI experts and policymakers. You'll be responsible for coaching fellows through their 12-week AI policy immersion and building operational systems to track alumni impact. It's impactful because you'll directly shape the next generation of AI policy professionals and create pipelines for evidence-based policy recommendations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing fellow progress reports and coaching calls, then move to designing a new alumni tracking system in Airtable. You could spend the afternoon planning a pilot program to embed technical experts in policymaking offices, followed by coordinating with IAPS researchers on policy briefings for fellows.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Institute for AI Policy and Strategy Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of experience managing fellowship programs or similar training initiatives, preferably in tech policy or adjacent fields
  • Can demonstrate coaching/mentoring success with examples of helping early-career professionals transition into policy roles
  • Has built operational systems (e.g., using Airtable, Notion, or Salesforce) to manage applications, fellow progress, and alumni networks
  • Has experience designing and piloting new programs from scratch, with metrics to evaluate success

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

1

Highlight specific experience scaling fellowship programs—mention cohort sizes, retention rates, or alumni outcomes

2

Include a portfolio link or examples of operational systems you've built (e.g., dashboards, application trackers)

3

Reference IAPS's existing programs (like their AI Policy Fellowship) and suggest one concrete idea for a new initiative connecting technical experts with policymakers

4

Tailor your resume to show quantifiable impact in program management, like 'increased fellow placement in policy roles by X%'

5

Demonstrate knowledge of frontier AI policy debates (e.g., compute governance, model evaluations, international standards)

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience coaching fellows or early-career professionals, with a specific example of helping someone transition into a policy role', 'A case study of an operational system you built to manage a program, emphasizing efficiency gains or improved tracking', "Your ability to design and pilot new programs, referencing IAPS's mission to connect technical experts with policymakers", "Why you're specifically interested in frontier AI policy (not just general AI ethics) and how you've engaged with IAPS's research"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read IAPS's published research (e.g., on compute governance or model evaluations) to understand their technical policy focus
  • → Review their existing AI Policy Fellowship program—structure, fellows, and alumni outcomes
  • → Explore their team page to understand who you'd work with and their backgrounds
  • → Look into their partners or funders (e.g., Open Philanthropy) to grasp their network and priorities
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a 12-week curriculum for AI policy fellows, balancing technical knowledge and policy skills?
2 Describe an operational system you built for program management—what tools did you use, and how did it improve outcomes?
3 How would you measure the success of a new program connecting AI researchers with policymakers?
4 What's one frontier AI policy issue you think IAPS should prioritize, and why?
5 Tell us about a time you coached someone through a career transition—what challenges arose, and how did you help?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic AI ethics experience without showing knowledge of frontier AI-specific risks (e.g., catastrophic misuse, alignment)
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of program management—avoid vague descriptions like 'managed programs'
  • Not tailoring your application to IAPS's niche focus; e.g., discussing broad AI fairness topics instead of frontier AI policy interventions

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: March 8, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy!

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